Author: Wol Mapal | Published: 5 hours ago
SSPDF Spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang in an interview with to Eye Radio in Bilpam. May 15, 2024. (Photo: Lou Nelson).
The heads of key security institutions have agreed to work together to remove roadblocks and improve safety along major roads in the country.
This follows a meeting held on October 14, where the Chief of Defence Forces, Inspector General of Police, and Director General of Internal Security Bureau assessed the current security situation.
According to the army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the meeting resolved to permanently eliminate illegal roadblocks across the country.
He said the security leaders also formed a joint force to carry out regular patrols and go after individuals or groups that may try to reinstall the roadblocks.
“The joint effort aims to restore public confidence and ensure the free movement of people and goods without unnecessary harassment or illegal taxation by unauthorized personnel,” said Maj. Gen. Koang in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Many travellers, traders, and both local and foreign drivers have accused some soldiers, national security agents, and police officers of setting up illegal checkpoints and collecting unauthorized taxes.
In protest, truck drivers from the East African region parked their vehicles at the Elegu-Nimule border with Uganda, refusing to enter the country.
They cited illegal taxes and extortion by South Sudanese officials and soldiers along the roads.
In December last year, the army said it had already removed all illegal roadblocks and unauthorized tax points as directed by President Salva Kiir.
